Meaningful life requires taking action outside of yourself rather than keeping yourself to yourself.

I get it the whole self-preservation thing. I’ve been known to keep people at arms length like the quarterback running stiff-armed, head down, legs moving as fast as he can so he can make it to the goal line unscathed and leather treasure in tact. Only for me, it was more about the threat and potential of harsh words, defeat, and pain often found in relationships not having a chance to reach me that kept me running, goals tucked under my arm, toward the end of the day.

But it’s in this place of neat, ordered self that real love often desires most to break through.

Make no mistake, a more meaningful life means more than only knowing your why. And it’s more specific and personal than generally wondering how you can let God’s light shine (although in the end, that’s the point).

A more meaningful life requires action motivated by love for him and for others as only you can provide and are designed to offer.

And, I hate to break it to you but when others are involved things get real and … love can be messy. (Actually, I’m thinking you might already know this.)

Are you willing to stop what you’re doing and love with more than words today?

A Meaningful Life Is Sacrifice

Think of those you love most.

In loving them you find joy, laughter, and comfort. But there are times you also find a real and painful mess as you:

sacrifice your wants and desires,

bite your tongue,

wait with patience,

say ‘no’, and

let go.

Why do you suffer through all this? Because you love him, her, them. So you do what you need to do. You make a move. You take action. You sacrifice as only you can.

Just like Jesus.

What sacrificial move can you make today to show love to someone and build more meaning into you life as you do?

Willing to Let Love Act

The challenge of reaching out to a nearby community to love them as individuals and adopted families was discussed at a recent church meeting. The question on the table was how do we help the people of our church lovingly build relationships, respond to their needs, and set boundaries?

One wise pastor responded, “I’m not going to lie. We’re talking about relationships. And relationships are messy.” His words made me wonder how willing I am to let love act through me and beyond me. Beyond the safety of my comfort zone … where God is at work.

This sacrificial and willing act of love is exactly what Jesus did for you – for us. He left the splendor of his throne to walk directly to his destiny, the God-purposed cross, and dive crown-deep into our messed-up lives. He poured out every drop of his blood, took the heat and the hits for us, and showed us that for now – in this world – real love in action runs over, spills out, and sacrifices. It’s messy.

Messy because love moves even in the face of fear, habits, routines, and objections. Real because it asks us to trust, believe, give, and lay bear our selfish desires and reveal our vulnerable, authentic selves so Christ really can shine through.

What opportunity has God opened up to you recently that you’ve rejected without thought or prayer because it messed with your schedule or seemed too difficult or disruptive … or sacrificial? What would help you be more willing walk where he leads and become vulnerable to his calling?

Real Meaning – Real Life

Jesus calls us forward to live our life purpose, a more meaningful life – actually, the most meaningful life, through selfless action. Like he did.

Yes, it may be messy. But it’s there, having been poured out and roughed up that love becomes real, the why of our life is exposed, a more meaningful life is lived, and his purposes through you are fulfilled.

Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time,

not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.

Does it hurt?’ asked the Rabbit. ‘Sometimes,’ said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful.

‘When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.’

The Velveteen Rabbit

Purpose Step

Knowing and living your life purpose creates a more meaningful life because you answer the call to sacrifice for others and build the kingdom of God. Who is God calling you to serve with your passions, experience, gifts and talents? Are you willing to sacrifice self to know and live your life purpose, take action, and risk real, messy love?

There are three words that can help you. They can change everything: your posture, your attitude, your actions – your life. Not that you’re into change – but if it’s change you choose and it makes a difference in the peace you find at the end of your days, why not give it a whirl? Maybe it’s worth knowing and speaking those three significant words.

So what three words will help draw you into a better, more meaningful life?

Thank you, God.

Your Posture

Twice a week, I find myself in a yoga class in an effort to, among other things, improve my posture. Previously, I was constantly slumped over driving my car or working on my computer. (I’ll bet you just straightened up a bit, didn’t you?) Having back trouble most of my life, I knew this hunching over was one source of my off and on discomfort. Changing my posture strengthens me and relieves pain.

It is good to change posture in another way as well – one that will impact more than your back. This change in posture strengthens you and relieves pain as you bend your heart and your knees.

Come, let us bow down in worship,

Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker

Ps. 95:6

There is a pose in Yoga called Child’s Pose. You sit knees to the floor and upper body stretched forward, head to the floor in front of the knees, (yes, it really is possible) with your arms outstretched before you. It is for me the most protective and comforting posture of the class.

And so it is when you bow your heart and soul before the Lord. He sees and his Spirit protects and comforts as the posture of your heart reflects your love, respect, and gratitude toward God.

Your Attitude

Humility is the fear of the Lord;

Its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4

Your attitude matters. When you have an attitude of negativity rather than possibility, you live in fear. Not ‘the fear of the Lord’ (translated as reverence: Humility is the reverence of the Lord) in the scripture above. Rather, you have an attitude of fear and worry that is binding and fueled by pride dressed up as confidence. This kind of fear keeps you from giving thanks freely and with the attitude of humility desired by God.

Don’t fret or worry.

Instead of worrying, pray.

Let petitions and praises

shape your worries into prayers,

letting God know your concerns.

Phil 4:6 (Living Bible)

Won’t you replace your negative, fear-filled, and worrisome attitude with humble prayer? Let your sacrifice be that of a humble, thankful heart.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

A broken and contrite heart…

Ps. 51:17

Your Action

I have a distinct memory of a particular day at work several years ago sitting at my desk complaining about something…don’t even remember what now. The person listening to me responded and said, “You should be grateful.” That, I remember.

“I am”, I said and believed. Yet, it was obvious by my words, tone, and grumbling that I was not…that is…grateful.

Give thanks in all circumstances,

For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Thes. 5:18

Sometimes you may find yourself feeling frustrated and stuck. You grumble because you don’t feel motivated, encouraged, interested, confident or energetic enough to act. And therein lies the problem. You expect to feel your way into action. The truth is, neither you nor I can feel ourselves to a better place…we must act ourselves to a better feeling.

Feelings are not bad. They are good. They function as indicators that can help you complete the work God planned for you. Ever feel like not doing something you dreaded, but once you started doing it, you felt better about it? If you feel defeated, ask the Holy Spirit to show you what steps to take to gain strength and victory. If you feel overwhelmed, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to a mind of peace.

The expression of your feelings is valid, but it is not the ultimate goal. The goal is action based on God’s loving plan and purposes for your life.

Thank God in all circumstances…regardless of your feelings about them…and take godly action.

Your Life

Piglet noticed that although he had a

Very Small Heart,

It could hold a rather large amount of

gratitude.

Winnie-the-Pooh

Piglet realized no matter his size, a sense of thanksgiving was a big part of who he was.

Have you, like Piglet, taken notice? Is gratitude a big part of your heart?

If so, you have discovered the first step to creating better days.

If not, it’s not too late. No matter your hurt, fears, and delays – once you determine to make “Thank you, God” a big part of your heart your posture, attitude, and actions will change. And in that change you will find…day-by-day…a more meaningful life.

Purpose Steps

1. Change your posture. If you are physically able, pray on your knees as you bend your heart toward his. Child’s Pose anyone?
2. Change your attitude. Intentionally choose humility and vulnerability over pride and fear. Pray. Thank God He is in control.
3. Change your actions. When you sense your feelings leading you – stop. Draw close to God through prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you.
4. Change your life. Begin your days and your prayers with thanksgiving. Be intentional about filling your heart with “Thank you, God”. Write God a ‘thank you’ note for all he has done.

Purpose Prayer

Thank you, God, for your love, sacrifice, goodness, and mercy. Thank you for being in control. Thank you for my family, friends, church, work, freedom – for my very life and breath. There is no one like you. Thank you, God. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.

MY Gift TO YOU

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Client Success

Your wisdom and discernment brought clarity as you probed deeper to reveal God’s truths. It’s easy to see why you are called to be a Life Coach.

Denise G.

2017-04-13T03:01:50+00:00

Denise G.

Your wisdom and discernment brought clarity as you probed deeper to reveal God’s truths. It’s easy to see why you are called to be a Life Coach.

http://heartsonglifecoach.com/testimonials/denise-g/

Having my lifeplan done was like receiving a cold glass of water on a hot summer day.

Cheryl B.

2017-04-13T02:47:34+00:00

Cheryl B.

Having my lifeplan done was like receiving a cold glass of water on a hot summer day.

http://heartsonglifecoach.com/testimonials/cheryl-b/

My life's passion involves working with smart, funny, and holy women. Gail revealed those characteristics as she stepped into a leadership role at her first conference with us in 2006. Since then, she has been obedient to follow the Lord’s calling and now lives her own heartsong as a Professional Certified Life Purpose Coach. I am thrilled to be affiliated with Gail and HeartSong Life Coach.

My life's passion involves working with smart, funny, and holy women. Gail revealed those characteristics as she stepped into a leadership role at her first conference with us in 2006. Since then, she has been obedient to follow the Lord’s calling and now lives her own heartsong as a Professional Certified Life Purpose Coach. I am thrilled to be affiliated with Gail and HeartSong Life Coach.